Etienne Pochon is the refined, slightly reserved owner in the eastern end of Crozes. He used to sell his grapes to one of the local co-operatives, but now makes his own wines from better-than-average fruit. Pochon oversees all elements of production, ensuring that the wine shows all the soft, fragrant plentiful fruit that has gone into it and this ripe and fruity wine shows he was right to go it alone.
Presentation
Presentation
Along with a handful of other growers, the rather reserved Etienne Pochon has been instrumental in improving the quality and the image of Crozes-Hermitage and is producing some of the region’s finest and most elegant wines.
Terroir
vineyards located plains and hillsides. The soils, made up of quaternary gravel, are not very fertile and sloping. Average age of vines : 35 years.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested, sorted, vinified in temperature-controlled vats, frequent pumping over, selected yeast for ageing.
Ageing
Aged in 2 to 6 year-old barrels for 6 months. Fining and filtration.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
GM : No.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
T° of service: 16°C / 61°F.
Ageing potential
Enjoy all year long, 5 to 10 years
Tasting
Starts off rather dark, marked by smoke, charred wood, espresso and black olive notes. But there's a core of fruit and spice as well. Feels plump and round in the mouth, with great structure. Drink now for its pretty finish filled with spice and tea leaves.
Food pairings
Rabbit terrine, duck breast, meat in sauce.
Reviews
"Curiously there are only a small band of high quality producers taking advantage of this appellation. The reds are lighter than those of Hermitage and softer than those from the vineyards planted accross the river in St Joseph. Here the rich clay limestone soils are less acidic than those of the granite slopes further west, the best wines that result are usually dark, rich, spicy, sturdy wines with reasonably round, pliable textures. "
